Don’t sit still.

The “fidget factor” — activities such as cleaning the house, playing an instrument, even wiggling your toes — has a cumulative effect on body weight, which some experts believe may be even more important than formal exercise in determining whether you are thin or fat. I encourage you to scrub your tub, take the stairs, and dance to your favorite tunes while you cook dinner; play with your kids, put your wastebasket at the far end of your office, and wander around when you’re talking on the phone; and just plain FIDGET whenever and wherever you can.

And here are 4 additional tips to keep your metabolism revved up throughout the day.